What Do Rabbits Eat and Drink?

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What do rabbits eat and drink? Well, I’m sure that a lot of people instantly think of the cartoon Bugs Bunny gnawing away on a carrot while saying “What’s up doc?” While it is true that rabbits eat carrots, they eat several other things as well. Can Rabbits eat cherries? Can Rabbits eat toast? Can Rabbits eat chocolate? Continue reading below to find out more!

Rabbits need various nutrients to keep them healthy and thriving. In the wild they have to fend for themselves when it comes to finding different foods. A wild rabbits diet will vary a little from a pet rabbits because of what food is and isn’t accessible to them.

Pet rabbits depend on their owners to provide these different sources of food. Pet rabbits can live an average of 10-15 years if taken care of properly by their owners.

Maybe you’re here because you are considering owning a pet rabbit and are curious what they eat besides carrots. Rabbits need a lot of fiber in their diet. A rabbit’s diet should also be low in sugar, fats, and calcium.

What Do Rabbits Eat and Drink: A Diet High in Fiber

Hay:

One of their favorite staple foods is hay. While completely unappealing to us as humans, rabbits love to nibble up this dried grass on a daily basis. Hay needs to be available to them at all times. All other foods that rabbits eat are always in addition to hay.

Leafy Greens:

Much like their wild counterparts, pet rabbits need to eat a lot of leafy greens. Some good varieties of leafy greens for rabbits are: lettuce, broccoli greens, carrot greens, dandelion greens, clover, celery greens, sprouts, cilantro (fresh only), watercress, spinach, and kale.

Herbs and Flowers:

Rabbits can also eat several types of herbs and flowers such as: parsley, dill, oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, mint, fennel, common nettle, common sage, lavender, symphytum, tarragon, German Chamomile, dandelion, coriander, yarrow, lemon balm, purple coneflower, peppermint, borage etc.

Pellets:

You can also take away a lot of the guess work when it comes to addressing what do rabbits eat by providing them with per-formulated pellets that you can buy at your local pet supply store. You can also search for deals on rabbit pellets online. Of course it is important to remember that hay and leafy greens should also be provided.

Fruits and Vegetables:

Fruits and vegetables also play an integral part in a rabbits diet. Fruits should however be viewed as a treat for a rabbit due to them being high in sugar. Some fruits that are okay for rabbits to eat are apples (seeds removed), strawberries, pineapple, seedless grapes, pears and peaches. Rabbits can eat several types of vegetables such as broccoli, green peppers, chopped celery (ribs removed),  and cucumbers.

What Can Rabbits Drink?

Water:

Water is also important in a rabbits diet. While water should always be provided for a pet rabbit they also get a lot of their water from the grass and vegetables that they eat on a daily basis.

Can Rabbits Eat Cherries?

Yes! Rabbits can eat cherries. Moderation is key when letting your furry rabbit friend indulge in a sweet treat such as cherries. Don’t let them eat the cherry pit because it contains cyanide like the seeds in apples and can be toxic if ingested. A cherry is from the stone fruit family and the flesh from sweet or sour cherries is perfectly edible by both pet and wild rabbits. However, due to the cherries high sugar content it is recommended to only give your rabbit the occasional pitted cherry as a treat only. Cherries should not be fed everyday to your rabbits. Consider cherries a very rare and occasional treat that you can give your rabbits. Reminder that you need to remove the pit and shop it up into smaller pieces for your rabbit to enjoy.

Can Rabbits Eat Toast?

No! Rabbits should not eat toast. The starches that toast contains makes it very difficult for a rabbit’s digestive system to digest properly. The starch in their digestive tract will eventually ferment causing them further digestive issues which can lead to diarrhea or ulcers. If your rabbit accidently eats a small amount of toast try not to panic, they will likely be okay. But if uncertain and would like some peace of mind you can take your rabbit to the veterinarian for further examination.

Can Rabbits Eat Chocolate?

No! Rabbits can not eat chocolate. It should be avoided at all costs when it comes to the health of your rabbit. Bunnies and rabbits do not have the proper stomach needed to digest chocolate due to the caffeine and theobromine it contains. These are known as methylxanthines  and can be extremely toxic to your rabbit and should never be fed to your rabbit. Consuming chocolate can cause your rabbit to have dehydration, seizures and heart arrythmias. Just say no to chocolate for your rabbit!

What if your rabbit accidently eats chocolate? Take them to the vet before dehydration and vomiting starts just to be safe!

In Summary, What Do Rabbits Eat and Drink?

• Hay
• Formulated Rabbit Pellets
• Vegetables and Leafy Greens: Carrots, Lettuce, Broccoli, Broccoli Greens, Chopped Celery, Celery Greens, Clover, Green Peppers, Dandelion Greens, Sprouts, Fresh Cilantro, Parsley, Watercress, Spinach, Kale, Cucumber
• Herbs and Flowers: Parsley, Dill, Oregano, Basil, Rosemary, Thyme, Mint, Fennel, Common Nettle, Common Sage, Lavender, Symphytum, Tarragon, German Chamomile, Dandelion, Coriander, Yarrow, Lemon Balm, Purple Coneflower, Peppermint, Borage etc.
• Fruits (Occasionally as treats): Apple (seeds removed), Strawberries, Grapes (Seedless), Pineapple, Pears, Peaches, Cherries (very occasionally: pit removed)
• (Optional Treats): Raisins
• Water

Keep in mind that all rabbits can have different preferences. While one rabbit might really enjoy eating carrots another rabbit might only eat them occasionally.

When asking what do rabbits eat, it is important to note that it can vary from rabbit to rabbit. Ultimately it is important that they are provided hay, leafy greens, formulated rabbit pellets, vegetables and occasionally fruit as a treat.

By providing the proper nutrition for your rabbit you are doing your part to ensure they live a healthy and optimal life.

Enjoy reading about animals? Check out our other animal articles.

See Also:

• How to Keep Rabbits Cool in the Summer
• Fireworks Safety Tips for Pets
• Critter Care Pet Bedding Coupons
• 10 Dog Ice Cream Recipes to Keep Your Dog Cool
• Homemade Milk Bone Dog Treats
• DIY Pet Bowl Placemat for Dogs and Cats
• Do I Need Pet Insurance?

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The views expressed across the blog are the opinion of the author and not necessarily endorsed by Pet Coupon Savings. Always consult your veterinarian for professional advice. Pet Coupon Savings may earn a small commission via affiliate links. Read more about our policies.